The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $70 million investment aimed at expanding mental health services in schools across the United States. This funding is part of the administration's efforts to support youth mental health, building on initiatives like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). The U.S. Department of Education is focusing on enhancing School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs.
"From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized supporting youth mental health," according to a statement from the administration. Schools are seen as critical venues for delivering mental health care, allowing more students to receive necessary services through education and early intervention.
The Department of Education has collaborated with various government levels and educational institutions to improve school-based mental health service delivery. The recent announcement aligns with President Biden's goal of doubling the number of school counselors and other mental health professionals in schools.
"We know that students are more likely to access mental health support if it's offered in schools," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "Today’s announcement of an additional $70 million will allow more institutions and schools to train and hire mental health professionals—especially in underserved communities."
Secretary Cardona plans to visit Five Forks Middle School in Gwinnett County, Georgia, where 69 new SBMH and MHSP grants have been awarded nationwide. These funds are expected to help train and hire around 4,000 new mental health professionals for schools. Gwinnett County will receive $19 million over five years, working with local universities to recruit 125 diverse mental health professionals.
The $70 million allocation for FY 2024 adds to the $571 million already distributed for these programs under BSCA funding. In total, these efforts aim to add 18,000 school-based mental health professionals across 48 states.
Moving forward, the administration intends to continue its focus on increasing federal investments in student well-being by making pathways into mental health professions more accessible and reducing stigma associated with seeking help.
